All metropolitan regions are “hubs” and centres of exchange. The exchange of knowledge and information on all kinds of levels is easy because of the excellent accessibility of the regions.
The gateway function describes the access to people, knowledge and markets. Metropolitan regions are important transport hubs and provide a perfectly developed transport infrastructure. Air transport, high speed and motorway links that guarantee swift and easy access to and from other European and international centres and destinations are of particular importance here.
Access to knowledge becomes increasing importance in today’s information and knowledge society. Therefore, media centres (TV, radio and print media) develop in the metropolitan regions as well as conference centres and centres for online services.
And since exhibitions and trade shows are of great appeal, metropolitan regions host locations most of them, allowing the region to tap new markets.